LG Electronics will deliver its second-highest first-quarter operating earnings in history, with the company’s financial results surpassing Samsung’s for the first time since 2009.

LG has predicted it will post operating earnings of A$1.72 billion for the March quarter, compared to Samsung’s A$682.23 million – a 96 per cent fall for the latter company.

LG’s earnings guidance estimated a 23 per cent fall in its operating profits from the same quarter last year, with a 2.6 per cent decrease in sales – to A$23.2 billion, which is below analyst expectations, but still marks the third-highest first-quarter sales figure in the company’s history.

In real amounts, LG’s first-quarter operating earnings have risen by between 10-20 percent, if the A$91 million in temporary gains from patent licensing it generated in the first quarter of last year is discounted.

Hyundai Motor Securities’ research head Noh Geun-chang said increased shipments of refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners, reduced logistics and marketing costs, and Europe’s economic recovery are largely responsible for the strong quarter.

LG’s full quarterly financials will be released at the end of the month.